UNRWA appeals for safeguard and security of Palestinians in Syria

Syrian authorities and all parties to the conflict are being urged to safeguard the security of Palestine refugees wherever they reside in Syria.

The call comes from the top official of the UN agency assisting Palestinian refugees Filippo Grandi

Grandi’s appeal follows what's been described as horrific images captured by news agencies, and reports of numerous casualties and the flight of Palestine refugees from Yarmouk camp.

The UN agency – UNRWA says initial reports indicate that air strikes hit the centre of Yarmouk, and the camp is said to be in a chaotic state; with ongoing fighting in the southern parts of the camp inching north-wards, and reports coming in of families trying to escape on foot as cars and other forms of transportation are not able to move within the camp.

UNRWA has repeatedly warned that if all parties to the Syrian armed conflict fail to fulfill their obligations to protect Palestine refugees and respect their neutrality, the consequences would be devastating and long lasting.

The Agency has advocated to maintain the neutrality of the 525,000 Palestine refugees in Syria and not implicate them in the conflict.

UNRWA says the horrible events raise serious questions about the stability and protection of the Palestine refugees in Syria.